US jobless claims fall to near 44-1/2-year low

WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to a near 44-1/2-year low last week, supporting expectations of a sharp rebound in job growth in October after employment was depressed by hurricane-related disruptions in September.

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Initial claims for state unemployment benefits decreased 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 229,000 for the week ended Oct. 28, the Labor Department said on Thursday. That was not too far from 223,000, a 44-1/2-year low touched in mid-October.